Enigma

The Profile

Enigma is a German musical project created and led by Michael Cretu, known for fusing electronic, ambient, and new age textures with worldbeat elements and choral/chant samples. The project achieved global success with Sadeness (Part I) and Return to Innocence and has remained active since 1990.

Founded in 1990 by Michael Cretu; German electronic project blending ambient, new age, worldbeat, and chant; global hits include Sadeness (Part I) and Return to Innocence; active 1990–present.

Four DeBaser reviews trace Enigma’s arc from the groundbreaking MCMXC a.D. to the acclaimed The Cross of Changes, the steady yet familiar The Screen Behind the Mirror, and the divisive Voyageur. Critics praise the signature blend of ambient, new age, and worldbeat with chant, while noting self-referencing patterns and uneven later experiments. Overall mood: intrigued, nostalgic, occasionally exasperated.